The Caricatura Museum Frankfurt dedicates its latest exhibition to a master of political caricature: on display are the best works of the draftsman Klaus Stuttmann from over 30 years. In a comprehensive show of works, the "most beautiful museum in the world" presents the best caricatures from 1990 to 2022, with a special place for one of his main motifs: the former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. A figure who has grown particularly close to his heart as a caricaturist. For more than 30 years he has observed her career, studied her characteristic traits.
On display are more than 300 caricatures, as well as illustrations for the museum guide "Fit fürs Museum" published in 2008 and for the wine magazine "enos - von Wein, Menschen und Kulturen". The exhibition is completed by a selection of etchings, sculptures and "making-offs".
For his caricatures Stuttmann was awarded several times with the "Rückblende", in 1997 he received the 1st and in 2014 the 2nd prize of the "Deutsche Preis für politische Karikatur". He also won the audience award in 2007 and 1st place in 2016 at the "Deutsche Karikaturenpreis", and the "Premio Satira Politica" in Forte dei Marmi (Italy) in 2010. Most recently, Stuttmann took 3rd place in the "German Cartoon Prize" in 2021. He lives and works in Berlin.
According to his own statement, Stuttmann has drawn an estimated 10,000 - 15,000 caricatures in the course of his career. Always characterized by his own "Stuttmann stroke", which appears so light-footed and behind which is a close study of the portrayed. It is not only a matter of striking external features, but also of their essence, their idiosyncrasies. His figures emerge anew with each drawing, there are no fixed templates - this creates space for their development. But the principle that is so essential for caricature always applies: within seconds, the viewer must understand who and what situation it is about.
